Dacia Introduces the Hipster Concept EV
In a bold move set to shake up Europe’s compact EV market, Dacia has unveiled the Dacia Hipster concept, a futuristic yet ultra-affordable electric vehicle designed for city life — with a target price of under €10,000. Revealed as a study model, the Dacia Hipster concept aims to redefine what budget-conscious electric driving can look like in a market dominated by increasingly expensive technologies.
According to Stern.de, the Hipster represents Dacia’s vision of simple, sustainable, and functional mobility — a direct challenge to microcars like the Citroën Ami, Fiat Topolino, and Opel Rocks-e. Measuring just three meters in length and weighing around 800 kilograms, this “cube on wheels” promises practicality and character at an unbeatable price point.
Minimalism Meets Smart Design
The Dacia Hipster stays true to the brand’s philosophy of “essential and clever.” Its boxy, minimal design emphasizes practicality over luxury. The interior accommodates four adults, with flexible space options offering up to 500 liters of cargo room when only the front seats are used.
Inside, simplicity reigns — lightweight materials, bench-style front seating, and customizable modular elements like cup holders, storage pockets, and smartphone mounts highlight Dacia’s functional creativity.
Visually, the Dacia Hipster concept sports an industrial, modern aesthetic — flat surfaces, narrow headlights, and a clean, horizontal front give it a unique identity. Even details like strap-style door handles and a split-opening tailgate demonstrate the brand’s focus on cost efficiency and usability.
Compact Power and Efficiency
While final specifications are still under wraps, Dacia has confirmed the Hipster concept would feature a 10 kWh battery, providing a modest 100 km range — ideal for urban commuting. This smaller battery significantly cuts both weight and cost, keeping the car efficient and affordable.
Dacia officials describe the Hipster as a “new invention for an old idea” — a return to the philosophy that made early models like the Logan a hit 20 years ago: offering maximum utility at minimum cost.
Romain Gauvin, Dacia’s Head of Advanced Design, said:
“This is the most Dacia project I’ve ever worked on. It carries the same social importance as the Logan once did — creating something that doesn’t yet exist but is truly needed.”
Reviving Europe’s Affordable Car Segment
The Dacia Hipster concept arrives at a crucial time. The once-thriving A-segment of small, affordable city cars has been shrinking as regulations and technology costs push prices higher. Dacia sees the Hipster as a solution — bringing electric mobility back within reach of millions of drivers.
In Japan, compact cars like Kei Cars have dominated for decades, offering affordable, efficient transportation for city dwellers. With the Hipster, Dacia hopes to replicate that success in Europe — giving consumers a practical alternative to expensive EVs and limited microcars.
A Glimpse Into the Future of Affordable EVs
If Dacia manages to bring the Hipster concept to production for under €10,000, it could revolutionize the market, making electric mobility truly democratic. With governments pushing for greener cities and urban emissions targets tightening, the timing couldn’t be better.
Early reactions from the automotive community have been overwhelmingly positive, praising Dacia for tackling the affordability crisis in the EV market head-on.
Analysts predict that if the Hipster’s launch is successful, it could inspire other manufacturers to reimagine their entry-level electric lineups — potentially sparking a new wave of “budget EVs” across Europe.
The Dacia Hipster concept might be small in size, but it carries big ambitions. By combining affordability, innovation, and a minimalist design ethos, Dacia could once again disrupt the European automotive landscape — just as it did with the Logan two decades ago.
With its planned price point, practical design, and focus on sustainability, the Hipster proves that electric mobility doesn’t need to be a luxury — it can be for everyone.
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